Generally, it is large, well-established parishes that can hire curates for a two or three year period. The Reverend Gary Jones, Rector, St. Stephen's, Richmond, VA, says his parish recognizes that his curacy program not only benefits his parish with eager new priests every few years but is a valuable parish ministry to the entire Church.
Yet, as mutually beneficial as curacies are, these difficult economic times are affecting the curacy programs across TEC. Budgetary strains in even some large, well-endowed parishes are closing well established curacy programs.
This situation was illuminated by two experiences this past week.
1. Responding to our update inquiry, an alumna wrote:
"My curacy ended last June, at the end of my 3 year contract. I have been unable to find another position and have been living [in another city] since I had to move out of clergy housing where I am now helping with Eucharist services, assisting with pastoral care and also working in their administrative office. My former parish has announced that they have given up the idea of calling a curate this year. It's a shame, as both the rector and I were working full-time on the ministries there."
2. My visit to one of our Episcopal seminaries, Trinity School for Ministry in Ambridge, PA, reminded me of Dean Justyn Terry's words at the 2010 Consortium of Endowed Episcopal Parishes Conference: "One of the greatest gifts parishes at this conference we can provide our seminarians is maintenance of their curacy programs."
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| Dean Justyn Terry, SIM Seminarian Jonathan Bennett, Tom Moore and SIM Seminarian Trevor Spencer at Trinity School for Ministry |
The declining number of curacy positions coupled with the discontinuance of many Associate Rector positions adds unfavorable twists to the traditional vocational routes for seminarians when diocesan sponsorships included covering seminary costs as well as a mutually agreed upon parish placement following seminary.
SIM and our seminarians are thankful for those parishes maintaining their valuable curacy programs that buttress the Church's reputation for well-educated, well-trained and well-formed clergy.
